Casualties unknown

Lodge and hunting guide aircraft collides with terrain while maneuvering in mountainous valley (N17394)

Port Alsworth, AK, US

On August 12, 1994, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N17394) operated by Talnon Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Port Alsworth, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT, AND HIS FAILURE TO REMAIN CLEAR OF MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN. THE BOX/BLIND CANYON AND PROXIMITY OF MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN WERE RELATED FACTORS. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Part 135 lodge and hunting guide airplane collided with terrain while the pilot was maneuvering to reverse direction in a valley. Witnesses reported normal engine operation and good weather conditions at the time of the mishap.

What happened

The aircraft was observed entering a valley characterized by mountains on both sides. While the pilot was maneuvering the airplane to the left to reverse direction, it collided with terrain.

Witnesses reported that the plane's engine sounded normal and that the weather was good with clear skies, unlimited visibility, and light wind. A pilot who flew over the accident site minutes after the mishap reported the area was devoid of turbulence. This was a Part 135, on-demand, lodge/hunting guide operation.

The investigation

No mechanical examination details were provided in the source material.

Findings

The aircraft collided with terrain during maneuvering. Witnesses reported normal engine operation and good weather conditions at the time of the mishap.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01899. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.